Joachim Loew's men arrive entrusted to the appointment
after passing the second round with much credit and comfort. If until that
meeting the German coach blamed her lack of scoring, when they finished 90
minutes at 3-0 in favor of Germany the debate is over.
Until the match against Slovakia, the box Loew
demonstrated an enviable defensive solidity. Minor against teams like Ukraine,
Poland and Northern Ireland, did not receive a single goal. Slovakia was not
able to get pierce the goal of Manuel Neuer, who, after four games, will face
their first major challenge.
Italy will be the first great team with which
Germany faces be seen. That is not good news for Joachim Loew. Historically,
clashes between the two in the finals, ended in disaster for the Germans. In
eight games, they never won. And the eight, four were for remembrance.
In addition, Thomas Muller, who has yet to score in the
championship (or in a European Championship), will continue in the eleven with
the intention of ending his slump and boost his team to the semifinals.
It will be difficult. Opposite, Italy, governed firmly by
coach Antonio Conte, has one of the most complicated and tough defenses all
tournament. Chiellini, Bonucci and Barzagli form a trio complemented perfectly
by Gianluigi Buffon, who before Spain proved to be in perfect condition despite
its age (38 years).
But Italy, as Low recognized these days, is not just
defense. To Spain in the second round he proved to have many players who can
control the ball and give power to any party and against any opponent. Unlike
Germany, Italy and knows what it is to play against teams swanky. And both
fell. Belgium and Spain, were no match for the Italians.